Day 12 of ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Campaign: Punjab Police Arrests 118 Smugglers and Seizes Drugs
Punjab Police Intensifies ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ with Major Raids, Arrests 118 Drug Smugglers
In the latest phase of the state’s ongoing battle against drugs, Punjab Police successfully conducted raids across 543 locations on March 12, as part of the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” (War Against Drugs) initiative. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, this operation, continuing for its 12th consecutive day, led to the arrest of 118 drug smugglers, bringing the total number of arrests to 1,658 in just over a week.
The day-long operation saw police teams uncover significant quantities of illicit substances, including 994 grams of heroin, 4,633 intoxicating pills, injections, and tablets, as well as ₹1.47 lakh in drug money. In addition to targeting drug smuggling operations, police teams were also instructed to focus on pharmaceutical establishments to ensure they comply with regulations and avoid the illegal sale of intoxicating substances.
A Comprehensive Strategy to Combat Drug Menace
According to Special DGP Law and Order, Arpit Shukla, the operation was coordinated under the supervision of 102 senior officers from the rank of SP/DSP, who led over 250 police teams consisting of more than 1,600 personnel. These teams conducted raids across all 28 districts of Punjab, also checking 659 suspicious individuals during the operation. The sheer scale of these raids emphasizes the Punjab Police’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse and smuggling from the state.
The police forces were not just limited to narcotics control but also focused on enforcing regulations at pharmaceutical shops. Across five districts—Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana Commissionerate Police, Ludhiana Rural, Khanna, and Malerkotla—police checked 281 pharmacies to ensure that no habit-forming drugs or intoxicants were sold illegally. This inspection was a vital part of the preventive measures under the operation.
Punjab Government’s Three-Pronged Strategy: Enforcement, De-addiction, and Prevention
The Punjab government has devised a comprehensive approach to eliminate the drug crisis through the “Enforcement, De-addiction, and Prevention” (EDP) strategy. This initiative is designed to address both the supply and demand aspects of drug abuse.
As part of the Enforcement phase, the police have ramped up efforts to disrupt the supply chains of illegal drugs. In the De-addiction phase, the Punjab Police has been actively promoting rehabilitation. During Day 12 of the operation, authorities managed to convince 19 individuals to begin de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, a critical step in helping those caught in the cycle of addiction.
Meanwhile, the Prevention phase focuses on raising awareness and providing education about the dangers of drug use. In total, 154 awareness events have been organized across Punjab to educate the public about the harmful effects of drugs and encourage a drug-free lifestyle.
Support from State Government and Senior Police Officials
The success of the ongoing operation is a direct result of the strong leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who has set a three-month target to make Punjab a drug-free state. To further support the initiative, the Punjab government has formed a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee, led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, to monitor and guide the war on drugs.
Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, has also emphasized the importance of such raids and operations in dismantling drug networks. These operations are set to continue until the drug menace is completely eradicated from the state. The collaborative effort between the government and law enforcement underscores the seriousness with which Punjab is tackling its drug problem.
Ongoing and Future Efforts to Create a Drug-Free Punjab
Punjab’s aggressive stance on drug control is not a short-term initiative but part of a long-term plan. The state is focusing not only on enforcement but also on providing support for those who need rehabilitation. Local authorities, law enforcement officers, and government officials are working hand-in-hand to build an environment where drug abuse is neither tolerated nor enabled.
Future operations will continue to emphasize systematic raids, increased surveillance, and the strengthening of rehabilitation programs. These actions aim to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs while also helping those trapped in addiction regain control over their lives.
Public and Government Support for ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’
The public’s role in this campaign is also crucial. The government encourages citizens to report drug-related activities and suspicious individuals in their communities. A united effort from both the government and the public can ensure that Punjab remains on track to achieving its goal of becoming a drug-free state.
With strong political backing, a clear roadmap, and coordinated law enforcement efforts, Punjab’s “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign continues to gain momentum. The fight against drugs is not just about arrests and seizures—it’s about changing lives, preventing future drug abuse, and ensuring the well-being of every resident in the state.